Charity trip inspires fundraising Blues

The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) charity is £650 better off after the party from the Blues were given a guided tour of the Treehouse hospice in Ipswich by fundraiser Gemma Smith who told them the donation would make a "huge" difference to the care and support provided there and in families’ homes across Suffolk.

The Blues teamed up with the Leiston Town Athletic Association for the second year running to support EACH, the two clubs hosting a wide variety of fundraising activities over the last 12 months including ‘horse auctions’ at race nights and an inaugural Leiston Ladies Charity Night.

Defender Joe Jefford reckons the experience can only inspire everyone at the Ryman Premier to do even more for the designated charity at Victory Road again this season.

Pictured alongside his wife Amy Jefford, left, one of the club's models for a charity fashion show that was staged and teammates Leon Ottley-Gooch, Gareth Heath and Joe Francis, the centre-half said: “Having visited the hospice and had a tour of the building we were amazed by the facilities and support available to the children and their families.

"Understandably, a provision such as this is extremely expensive to build and maintain. Myself, fellow players and Leiston Football Club certainly look forward to supporting this fantastic charity further by taking part in future fundraising activities."

A Blues spokesman added: "Gemma took everyone on a tour, explaining how our donation will be spent supporting the wonderful work done by everyone at EACH. The club would like to thank Gemma for showing us around and for the support she gave us when organising the ladies' fashion show."

The charity's fundraiser said: “Thank you so much to everyone at Leiston Football Club for raising such an incredible amount this year. A lot of hard work and effort has been put in throughout the year.

"The fashion show was definitely a highlight and it was great to see everyone involved – from the players, their wives and girlfriend and everyone at the club who supported the event and donated clothes. This will make a huge difference to the care and support we provide.”

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